Babies and Dogs-Ask Joey

March 9, 2009 by doggymom
Filed under Ask Joey

Dear Joey,

Great name, it's mine too. My wife is expecting a baby this summer. We have a very spoiled Schnauzer named Lilly and I'm worried how she will react to the baby. She's never been around kids. Anything we can do to help them get along?

Thanks,

Joey Applegate

Dear Joey,

If you are a "Joey", then you are alright with me! Congrats on the new baby. personally I LOVE babies (both animal and human) but some dogs don't like them, are frightened by them or are jealous of them. Sometimes all 3.

If Lilly has never been around kids, then it might be a good idea to change that before the baby comes. If you have any friends with babies or young children, introduce her to them on neutral turf. Help the child to approach Lilly in a calm manner and to pet her lightly. If Lilly likes toys, have them give her a new toy bought for the occasion. Do this a few times a month, if you can with different children if possible. As she gets used to the kids, have them come to your house.

If Lilly hasn't had obedience training, now would be a good time to enroll in a class before the baby comes.

To get Lilly used to walking along with the baby, as soon as you get a baby stroller, you can take her for walks and bring the stroller too just so she becomes accustomed to walking with one.

When your wife goes to the hospital, take an old, clean t-shirt and put it in the bassinet with the baby to get the baby's smell on it. Then wear the t-shirt home. Put the shirt in the dog's bed so she will get used to the smell of the baby and also has the familiar, comforting smell of you on it.

After the baby comes, make sure you give Lilly attention while holding the baby. Don't shoo her away. Believe me, the baby isn't going to catch germs from the baby. My Momma raised all 3 of her kids around multiple dogs and the only germs they caught, were from other humans.

A good thing to reinforce positive reinforcement is to reward the dog ( praise, a treat, a toy or playtime) whenever she is being good around the baby.

Never leave the two alone together unattended. Also, don't punish Lilly if she does growl at the baby. Growling is simply a warning. Mother dogs do it to their own babies all the time. Just separate the two.

Ok, good luck with your growing family and be patient with Lilly. After all she's been your only baby up to now. It may take her a little while to adjust.

joey-siig1